Local VFW

[Dal1Celt]

My unit had a Holiday Party last night at our Local VFW. I was a bit disapointed when I was walking up to the door with my family and there posted on the door was a "No Weapon Concealed or otherwise permitted, Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law" sign.

When asked if I wanted to join, I told them "Thanks for your service, but unless I'm allowed to carry my weapon with me, I can't in good faith become a member". Just got weird looks.

You would think of all the places NOT to see that sign, the VFW would be one.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[RevDerb]

Woe! That IS disappointing!

[WoodLark]

Under NC laws, would you be able to carry in VFW anyway? Every VFW post I've seen serves alcohol.

[Dal1Celt]

True under NC Law, you can't conceal carry into a place that sells alcohol, But I should have been able to Open Carry. The sign said "Concealed or otherwise," which is where I had my problem.

[TOF]

You might write a formal letter to the local manager of the specific VFW operation and remind them of what we Vetrans have fought and died in support of.

Good luck

[walvord]

I wouldn't join then. When I see those signs, my money isn't good there as far as I'm concerned. If it's because of the alcohol I might have to reconsider - but then again I don't drink.

[archer51]

I'm a vet of 24 years, my service covered Viet Nam, Granada, Panama and Dessert Storm, yet not eligible to join the VFW. Why, because my job was aircraft maintenance and was not in a combat zone. I made sure the aircraft that delivered the troops and supply's were ready to carry out their mission, but for the VFW that isn't good enough. I'll continue to give my support to those who represent ALL veterans. The American Legion.

I also find the VFW kind of hypocritical in the fact that you are welcome in their establishment with open arms if your on active duty, even in peace time, but once your retired they don't care unless you can join.

[Dal1Celt]

I also find the VFW kind of hypocritical in the fact that you are welcome in their establishment with open arms if your on active duty, even in peace time, but once your retired they don't care unless you can join.

I did not know that. Either way, they are not getting me as a member. I'll have to look into the Legion as an option. Thanks

[coffeecup]

No signs like that in our post. It seems kinda odd that those that carried a weapon daily in a combat zone would be considered a risk in a stateside social club occupied by those with similar experience.

[TN_Mike]

I'm a vet of 24 years, my service covered Viet Nam, Granada, Panama and Dessert Storm, yet not eligible to join the VFW. Why, because my job was aircraft maintenance and was not in a combat zone. I made sure the aircraft that delivered the troops and supply's were ready to carry out their mission, but for the VFW that isn't good enough. I'll continue to give my support to those who represent ALL veterans. The American Legion.

I also find the VFW kind of hypocritical in the fact that you are welcome in their establishment with open arms if your on active duty, even in peace time, but once your retired they don't care unless you can join.

+1 Archer. The VFW has tried several times to get me to join as I was in the combat zone in the Persian Gulf War in 1991. But I always tell them the same thing, there were a whole lot of other service members behind the lines and at home making it possible for guys and gals like me to fight there. Let them join too and I will gladly join up. Until then, stop calling me.

[walvord]

I'll continue to give my support to those who represent ALL veterans. The American Legion.

Well, the American Legion - chartered by the Congress - does have some date specific times that qualify you for membership and does allow all active duty service members to join. I served on active duty from July '75 to Jan '80 and am not eligible to join the American Legion (or the VFW for that matter). I joined AMVETS instead - they do permit ALL veterans to join regardless of timeframes or whether they are on active duty or not.

[JimmyC4]

While I'm not an American Legion member, a couple of years ago I went to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) meetings held at their facility.

When I saw that it was posted, I sent a letter to both the local and national offices. While I never got a call or any other contact, the signs disappeared about a month later, never to return!

Speak up about the issue and ask that they remove the posting.

[retsupt99]

The signs are a 'disgrace' to those they are trying to represent. I'd start writing letters.
Maybe you can change their thinking...wait a minute, they aren't thinking.

Stay armed...go where you can stay that way...stay safe!

[nuparadigm]

...there were a whole lot of other service members behind the lines and at home making it possible for guys and gals like me to fight there. Let them join too and I will gladly join up. Until then, stop calling me.

I've told them that before, also. My words were greeted with blank stares.

[hdawson]

I'm a vet of vietnam and a member of the American Legion. Sorry, I agree with the no firearms laws conerning places that primarily serve alcohol. Drinking can sometimes make people do stupid things and being armed is not good. Now, in the case of restaurants whose primary business is food service, I think carrying concealed should be ok.